Scale Her Up: Female business stories and expert tips for business growth and success

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Dominique Dawson — director of Finnies the Jeweller in Aberdeen, and, as I realised partway through this conversation, the first third-generation female business owner I've ever interviewed in 170-plus episodes.Dominique's grandparents founded Finnies. Her mum and uncle ran it. Now Dominique and her brother are the third generation. And next year, the business turns 70.Her baby bouncer was installed in her grandfather's office.She went on to get her graduate gemology qualification in London, spent four years as assistant manager at Chanel Fine Jewelry in Harrods, sold a £1.5 million set of jewelry to a customer who paid by card without blinking, and came home to modernise a business she'd grown up in.We cover:What Finnies the Jeweller is and what makes it specialWhat three generations of female leadership looks like from the insideWhat Dominique took from four years at Harrods — and one crucial thing she left behindWhy she has never introduced commission or targets for any member of her team — and why she never willComing home to modernise: the half-day Wednesday closure, the website, the online transactions, and the staff rota she rebuilt for 40 peopleThe imposter syndrome of being the youngest person in the room with the most ideasWhat's next: the 70th anniversary, the renovation, new brands — and why she'll never open a second locationAberdeen city centre: what it needs, what Finnies is doing for it, and why she's more optimistic than the AberdoniansWhy sleep is non-negotiable and gardening was a revelation"Sometimes they say the third generation destroys. I hope not."Quote of the episode: "The only reason we will continue to succeed is you've got to look after people." — Dominique DawsonIf you run a family business, if you're trying to modernise something that's been done the same way for a long time, or if you just love a good Aberdeen story — this one's for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Emma Hutton — a social justice leader with over 20 years of experience, and until March of this year, the Chief Executive of JustRight Scotland.Emma left that role after burning out. She's sharing her story on this podcast for the same reason she wrote a long, honest article about it on LinkedIn: because she thinks she might have recognized the signs earlier if she'd seen someone else describe it first.This is not a business episode in the usual sense. But if you lead anything — a business, a team, a department, yourself — this conversation has something in it for you.We cover:Emma's career in social justice: what it looks like when there's no corporate graduate pathway to followThe structural challenges that made the CEO role uniquely hard: funding pressures, a polarized external environment, the isolation of being the one the buck stops withWhy burnout doesn't arrive suddenly — the cyclical buildup, the warning signs ignored, and the four or five times she recovered and thought she could keep doing thatThe blood pressure test that changed everythingWhat burnout actually feels like from the inside: the flat Sunday mornings, the frog-marched dog walk, the brain that stopped working beyond breakfastHer relapse prevention plan: four categories of warning signs, and what she's watching forWhat she'd say to someone who recognizes themselves in her descriptionWhat she'd say to someone who can see the signs in somebody elseThe nervous system: what she's learned about the neuroscience of stress and why it's changed how she thinks about everythingWhat's next — including the first draft of the novel she finished the morning of this recordingQuote of the episode: "Burnout happens to people who are very resilient — until they're not resilient anymore." — Emma HuttonIf you're listening to this and thinking "that sounds like me," this episode is for you. If you're listening and thinking "that sounds like someone I know," this episode is for them.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Debbie Mitchell, director of Atholl Scott Financial Services — an independent financial planning firm in Aberdeen with a 60-year history behind it.In September 1999, Debbie went into work as normal. By the time she went home, she was the director. Her boss and his wife had left without warning that Tuesday morning, and the CA firm partners called her to say she was now running things.There were lots of tears. A significant amount of wine. Her sister drove to the office after work every night for admin. Her husband was in charge of pizzas and filing. And Debbie called every single client personally.Twenty-five years later, she's sold the business, she's president-elect of the Chartered Insurance Institute, and she still gets imposter syndrome — though she's old enough now not to let it stop her.We cover:- What Atholl Scott Financial Services does and how it was built- The September Tuesday morning that changed everything- Why client loyalty belongs to the brand, not the person — and what that's worth- Selling the business: why she took the lowest offer on the table- The three Cs that mattered more than money: clients, colleagues, compliance- Advice for anyone thinking about exit planning — start with what it looks like, not what it's worth- What she's doing now: CII president 2027, performing arts charity chair, travel, and a very full life- Why only 18% of financial planners are female — and why she thinks that's about to change- Running the business with a papoose strapped to her front. Also caring for both parents. Also being the only woman in the room.- The self-belief message she most wants to leave behind**Quote of the episode:** *"Absolutely believe in yourself. You are so able, so capable, so brilliant. Self-belief is what's important."* — Debbie MitchellIf you've ever wondered what it takes to build something, sell it well, and still have a full life on the other side — this is the episode for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Leanne Ramage, Managing Director of Kudo Software — a renewable energy software company that helps manage projects and people across wind farms, solar farms, battery storage and pumped hydro.Leanne didn't plan to lead a company. She didn't plan to stay in renewables after her PhD. She didn't plan for most of what's happened. What she did was take each opportunity that appeared in front of her — and that approach, combined with what she describes as an almost inconvenient stubbornness, has brought her here.In 2023, she and her co-founders spun Kudo out of Natural Power Consultants, backed by the Fred Olsen Group. They launched with 20 people. They're now 25. And they're in year two of actually selling their product to market.We cover:- What Kudo Software does and which sectors it serves- The spinout model: different from a startup in important ways — and harder in others- What she'd do differently (smaller team, established product first)- What she's learned about herself: stubbornness as a strength, and being annoyed at herself for not liking being uncomfortable- The first rejection — getting to the final two and losing on referenceability- Fred Olsen, 97-year-old blue sky thinker and unlikely early champion- The day of graduation she turned down two good options to "play at being a scientist for a few more years"- The juggle: retired parents on the school run, a husband who doesn't travel, and airport teddies- Why women in STEM is still not changing — and the frustration that comes with not knowing how to fix it- The playlist song: Cheerleader by OMI, and the reason it will always mean something**Quote of the episode:** *"I don't think you should be worried about failure. All you're doing is making yourself more marketable."* — Leanne RamageIf you're thinking about taking a big leap — or you're deep in year one or two and wondering if it's going to come good — this one's for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by two guests: Alison Harper, founder of Harper Psychology, and Sara Huibregtse Van Loon, psychological therapist and the person Alison hopes to one day hand the practice to.Harper Psychology — formerly Harper Clinical Psychology — is an Edinburgh-based private psychology practice that's been running for around 20 years. What started as a solo clinical psychologist practice grew to two during the first 10 years, and then, when COVID hit and the NHS couldn't keep up with demand, expanded to a team of six — including two therapy dogs.One of those dogs, Paddy the one-eyed collie, features in one of the most moving stories I've ever heard on this show.We cover:- What Harper Psychology does and who it's for- The difference between a clinical psychologist and a CBT therapist — and what clients should actually look for- Why Alison went into private practice (school holidays, four children, and one very stubborn child who did not want to go to holiday club)- How the practice grew from two to six — and the challenge of building a team in a field where client continuity is everything- The mindset shift that stopped people leaving: valuing the CBT pathway as its own destination, not just a stepping stone- The therapy dogs, and the story of a client who said it wasn't Alison who helped them most — it was Paddy- The succession model: passing the baton rather than selling up, and why Alison wants the team to take it over and go further- The mental health stigma that still exists in 2026 — and why Alison thinks mental health is no different from dental health or physical fitness- What employers can do to genuinely support their teams' wellbeing- Advice to their 18-year-old selves: believe in yourself, and don't worry if you don't have a plan yet**Quote of the episode:** *"Mental health is like dental health is like physical fitness."* — Alison HarperWhether you're thinking about growing your team, passing on your business, or just wondering why we still treat mental health differently from any other kind of health — this one's worth your time.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Laura Weir, Managing Director of Direct Lettings — a letting agency based in Edinburgh and Dundee, now servicing much of the East Coast of Scotland and growing into the build-to-rent sector.Laura joined Direct Lettings 14 years ago, was essentially told to "run with it," had four children while running the business, never really took maternity leave, and found emails coming from her account on the day she had a C-section. Two years ago she bought into the business and became MD.This is a conversation about what it actually looks like to build something while also being a human — and the moment you realise you need to change.We cover:- What Direct Lettings does and how the business has grown on referrals alone- The build-to-rent sector: what it is, why it's exciting, and why it's a hard slog- Laura's career journey: from getting a job to keep her parents happy to becoming MD and co-owner- What it's like to be a self-described control freak — the benefits and the cost- The C-section email moment — and why she wouldn't do it now- How she went from reactive and everything-myself to starting early, leaving at 3pm and taking Fridays off- The "company Bible" — and why every process being documented changed everything- Building a team of 11 across two offices and why culture has been non-negotiable- Career development over pay rises — supporting staff through qualifications and internal moves- What's next: the Borders market, more build-to-rent, and finally opening that office she's been talking about for four years- Her advice for women in business: be kinder to yourself than she was**Quote of the episode:** *"Be kinder to yourself than I've been."* — Laura WeirIf you've ever answered work emails when you absolutely shouldn't have — or if you're just wondering how to grow a business without losing yourself in the process — this one's for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Gaynor Duthie, Managing Partner of Genoa Black — a strategy, brand and marketing consultancy with teams in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and now Los Angeles.Gaynor joined Genoa Black on day three of its existence, worked for nothing in exchange for a promise of equity, became a partner in 2014, and has led the business to where it is today: 14 people, over 1,000 Scottish SMEs served, and an international expansion underway.Strategy, AI and the Advice That Unlocks Your Next Level | Gaynor Duthie | Scale HER UpThis is a conversation packed with honest reflections on leadership, growth, AI, boundaries and the advice that unlocked everything for Gaynor — early in her career, someone told her: "Don't do the job you've got. Do the job you want."We cover:- What Genoa Black does across its three divisions — strategy, brand and marketing — and why the order matters- Why they never jump straight into marketing without brand clarity first- How their strategy division was born out of COVID — and why it's now a core part of what they do- The partnership model: how bringing in the right business partners transformed the business- Gaynor's extraordinary journey from working for nothing on day three to managing partner- The best piece of advice she ever received — "Don't do the job you've got, do the job you want"- Why people management has always been the hardest part — and how she's learned to lead through conflict- AI: embracing it without relying on it — and why emotional intelligence matters just as much as artificial intelligence- Growth isn't just headcount — efficiency, profitability and culture all count- The LA expansion: how a relationship with chef Curtis Stone opened the door- Why she went almost 12 years without an out of office — and what changed- "I didn't come this far to only come this far"Quote of the episode: "Emotional intelligence is just as important as artificial intelligence." — Gaynor DuthieIf you're leading a business, thinking about your next step, or wondering how to keep growing without burning out — this one's for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Jessica Sneddon, co-owner and co-founder of Soundbite PR — an Edinburgh-based PR agency that works exclusively in hospitality, food tourism and food and drink production.Jessica and her business partner Martha Bryce have built Soundbite from just the two of them into a team of nine, with around 30 clients across some of Scotland's most celebrated hotels, restaurants and producers. Their specialist approach has attracted clients including the Old Course Hotel and a host of independent restaurants, distilleries and food producers — and their staff retention is a quiet testament to the culture they've built.This is a conversation full of practical wisdom — on niche, on growth, on what it really means to become the boss you'd want to work for.We cover:- What Soundbite PR does and why they only ever work in hospitality- Why specialisation is the most profitable business decision you can make (their accountant's verdict)- The state of the hospitality industry right now — and how the best operators are adapting- Why PR makes the difference at a restaurant opening — and how you can still win without it- What Jess has had to build to get here: a thick skin, a great co-founder and really excellent finance support- The value of having a business partner — and what Martha does that Jess absolutely doesn't (hello, crisis comms)- How Soundbite grew its team from four pre-COVID to nine now — and why their culture keeps people staying- The nine-day fortnight and what genuine work-life balance looks like in practice- Being the boss you'd want to work for — and the story that taught her exactly what not to do- What's next: digital expansion, north of England, Northern Ireland, and a hospitality networking series- Two must-do pieces of advice: outsource your finance — and do your tax return early**Quote of the episode: "I wanted to be the boss I would want to work for." — Jessica SneddonWhether you're thinking about niching down, building a team, or wondering what kind of culture you actually want to create — this episode has something for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Jen Landels, Managing Director of Studio LR — a 22-year-old independent creative agency based in Leith, Edinburgh, that helps ambitious organisations build brands and campaigns with both substance and standout.Jen calls Studio LR "the gutsy creative agency" — and this conversation is every bit as gutsy as the work they do. She talks about brand strategy for businesses of all sizes, what it really means to step into leadership for the first time, and why the most powerful thing holding most of us back is our own self-belief.We cover:- What Studio LR does and who they work with — from Volvo to Suntory Global Spirits to Historic Environment Scotland- The biggest brand mistake businesses make (it's not what you think)- How to build a brand on a small budget — practical advice from a workshop with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce- Why you need to meet your audience where they are, not where you want them to be- Jen's extraordinary career journey: Red Bull, the Leith Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Rugby and now Studio LR- The moment she got into advertising — through babysitting- "Shy bairns get nowt" — and what it taught her- Taking over as MD with no prior experience of running a business — and what she did first- The fika approach to joining a new team (taking every single person for coffee)- Why leadership is lonelier than she expected — and the peer group that changed that- The female agency leaders WhatsApp group growing from 24 to 53 — and why competing businesses support each other- Her six annual mantras, including imperfect action, conviction and vulnerability as a strength- Rebranding herself from Jenny to Jen when she became MD — and what that really meant- Her late dad Jim's legacy — and the project that brought everything full circle- The horse tethered to a plastic chair: why it's your own self-belief holding you back**Quote of the episode:** *"We think we're stuck, but it's our own lack of self-belief that's holding us back."* — Jen LandelsIf you're building a brand, stepping into leadership, or wondering whether you're more capable than you're giving yourself credit for — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Catherine Bunn, Managing Director of Highland Campervans and Director of Camper Lux Limited — a motorhome dealership on the outskirts of Inverness that Catherine built from scratch, starting with two campervans, a baby in a car seat, and a conservatory extension she never actually built.Catherine has been running Highland Campervans for nearly 20 years. She started the business after leaving the Royal Air Force, grew it organically while raising two sons, built a team of over 20, and is now preparing for the next major phase of growth. This is one of those conversations packed with genuinely useful business thinking — from a real business owner who's figured things out the hard way.We cover:- How Highland Campervans started — and the creative way Catherine funded the first two vans when the bank said no- Growing organically and reinvesting profits rather than over-financing- Building a team from part-time working mums to 22+ staff- Working with her husband — what works, what didn't, and how they made it sustainable- Being a 4am worker and why she flexes her hours around her energy- The burnout turning point — and the simple tool that helped her treat herself like an employee- Work hard, play hard: ultra running, sea kayaking and Munros- The castles, moats and cores business model — and why the customer is the crown jewel- The beachhead strategy for business growth — and why doing everything was holding them back- What's next: a brand new workshop and the next phase of growth- Camper Lux Limited and the Motorhome Depot franchise explained**Quote of the episode:** *"Treat yourself the same way you treat your staff."* — Catherine BunnIf you're a business owner who's been putting everyone else first, growing steadily and wondering when it's your turn to focus — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Michelle Quinn — Managing Director and co-owner of Almond Engineering, a precision engineering company based in Livingston, West Lothian.Michelle started at Almond as a 17-year-old on a three-week temporary contract. She had no qualifications, no idea what engineering was, and no particular plan. Twenty-one years later, she owns the company.This is one of the most extraordinary journeys I've heard on this podcast — and Michelle tells it with complete honesty, including the parts that were hard.We cover:- What Almond Engineering does and the range of industries it serves- How Michelle went from office junior to MD without a degree or formal training- The moment at 17 she told the founder she'd be the first female MD — and why they both laughed- What it's like being a young woman in a heavily male-dominated industry — and how she built respect from the ground up- The management buyout she completed less than two weeks after having her first child- How she funded the MBO — and what the process actually looked like- Being a self-described workaholic and what having a family changed- Introducing flexible working into an engineering company — and why it's the best thing they've ever done- Why she'll hoover the office, do deliveries and do whatever it takes — and why that matters- What needs to change to get more women into engineering**Quote of the episode:** *"I'll be the first female MD in this company."* — Michelle Quinn, age 17 (she was right)If you're someone who has been told there's only one path to success — or you're building something in an industry that wasn't built with you in mind — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Fiona MacEachern, Managing Director of Loch Lomond Brewery and Levenbank Distillery — a business she started from scratch with her husband in 2011, home brewing for fun, and has grown into a 15-strong team producing 6,000 hectoliters of beer a year, alongside gin, vodka, rum and their own whiskey barrels.This is one of those conversations that stays with you. Fiona is honest, direct and refreshingly no-nonsense — about what it really takes to build a business from nothing, what happened when she faced cancer treatment while running the company, and why not doing something is always worse than trying and failing.We cover:- How Loch Lomond Brewery started from home brewing and became a brewery, distillery and taproom- Growing from one employee to 15 — and why building trust takes time- Why Fiona gave up a career as a police officer to start the business (and what finally pushed her over the edge)- Working with her husband and the boundaries that have kept the marriage intact for 25 years- Cash flow as the constant challenge — and how crowdfunding raised £250,000 to fund their expansion- Managing the business through cancer treatment — and why coming to work was her support network- What it's like to be a woman in the brewing industry- The natural progression from beer to spirits — and how selling whiskey barrels helped fund the distillery- Her honest, respectful take on BrewDog and what they did for the Scottish brewing industry- What's next for Loch Lomond Brewery and Levenbank Distillery**Quote of the episode:** *"If you do it and fail, that's a good thing. Not doing it is not a good thing — because you've never achieved your full potential."* — Fiona MacEachernIf you're thinking about starting something, scaling something, or just wondering whether all the hard work is worth it — this episode will remind you that it is.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Mary Pat McFarlane, Director of VMH Solicitors — a firm celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, with staff members who have been there since day one.Mary Pat has been with VMH for 22 years, progressing from assistant solicitor to associate to partner to director. She's also a former Scotland international rugby player who credits the sport with shaping how she leads, prepares and builds teams to this day.This is a conversation full of practical wisdom — about what genuinely great staff retention looks like, why acting decisively in a crisis matters, and why the best networks sometimes come from places you'd never expect.We cover:- What makes VMH Solicitors genuinely special — including a team member who's been there since day one 40 years ago- How over two-thirds of their business comes from repeat clients — including three generations of the same family- What they actually look for when hiring (and why cultural fit matters as much as competence)- Mary Pat's career journey from junior solicitor to director, including stepping back during the 2008 crash- What she's learned about herself as a leader — and why people management was the hardest part- The transferable skills from playing rugby for Scotland: preparation, team dynamics and working toward a common goal with people you wouldn't always choose- How competitiveness can be both a superpower and a challenge in leadership- Where she gets support — and why her biggest network came from rugby, not traditional business circles- Her perspective on being a woman in law: why she's never felt held back, and what that tells us- The advice she'd give her 18-year-old self — and why it all started at the first week of university**Quote of the episode:** *"Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. It's all about the preparation."* — Mary Pat McFarlaneWhether you're building a team, leading through a crisis, or wondering whether your personal network is your greatest untapped business asset — this episode has something for you.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Anne Wright, Finance Director of FBD Consultancy — a husband-and-wife accounting practice that started with no clients, no money and a house with no gable end, and has grown into a team of nine over nearly 20 years.Anne is a CIPFA-qualified accountant and a passionate advocate for small businesses. She's also spent 15 years as a QuickBooks software trainer, delivering sessions from Northern Ireland to Orkney — a journey that transformed her confidence and proved that an accountant who says yes to opportunities can end up doing far more than pushing spreadsheets.In this conversation, Anne shares honest reflections on the realities of running a finance business alongside her husband, the financial pressures hitting small businesses right now, and the simple advice she'd give to any business owner: just don't give up.We cover:- What FBD Consultancy does and the clients they work with- The real financial challenges facing small businesses right now — including rising costs, employers' national insurance and Making Tax Digital (MTD) explained clearly- The story of how FBD Consultancy started (hint: it wasn't planned)- Why there's no such thing as the right time to start a business- What nearly 20 years of working alongside your husband actually looks like- The biggest obstacle in running any business: getting paid- Why you have to build a team if you ever want your time back- How Anne went from accountant-behind-a-spreadsheet to confident public trainer- The importance of grabbing opportunities even when you're not sure you can do it- What Anne would tell her 18-year-old self — and why it's advice that's still relevant today- What's next for Anne and for FBD Consultancy**Quote of the episode:** *"Just don't give up. Put one foot in front of the other and see it through."* — Anne WrightIf you're a small business owner who wants to understand your numbers better, or you're thinking about building a team and taking a step back — this episode is full of grounded, practical wisdom from someone who has lived it.

In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Julie McCann, founder and CEO of Masters in Minds Limited — a leadership, management and organisational development business with 17 years of impact behind it.Julie's story is one of real transformation. She left school at 16 with few qualifications, built her career from the ground up through corporate life, and eventually founded her own business after years of helping other organisations scale and succeed. Today she leads a team of eight full-time staff and 40 associates, and runs a platform business combining HR technology with bespoke learning and development content.In this conversation, Julie and I talk about what it really takes to build a business that changes people's lives — and why the ripple effect of great leadership is bigger than most of us realise.We cover:- What Masters in Minds does and the types of organisations that need it most- The difference between a training programme and a genuine execution strategy- Why strategy so often fails — and what it actually takes to deliver it- Running a business alongside your husband (and how they got better at the boundaries)- Juggling business and family, including self-funding both pregnancies- Why even a sales and marketing expert struggles to articulate their elevator pitch- Keeping going when the media tells you everything is doom and gloom- Why failure, resilience and the ability to bounce back are non-negotiables for any entrepreneur- The ripple effect of great leadership — and why it matters more than you think- Julie's powerful message on age: don't let it define what you can and can't do**Quote of the episode:** *"You teach best what you most need to learn."* — Julie McCannWhether you're building a team, thinking about leadership, or trying to get your strategy off the page and into action — this conversation is full of practical wisdom and honest reflection.

What does it take to follow a dream — literally — and turn it into a thriving business?Jules Fleming is the co-owner of Continental Cream, an iconic ice cream and sweet shop in Banchory, Aberdeenshire, that's been delighting customers for over 40 years. Jules bought the shop five years ago after dreaming she owned it, walked in the next day, and asked the previous owners if they wanted to sell. They did.In this episode, Jules shares the honest, unfiltered journey of buying an existing business — the chaotic first summer, the 2am laptop sessions, the staffing challenges, the impact of rising minimum wages and National Insurance on small business profitability, and the slow, deliberate process of building systems so the business can run without you.She also talks about launching an events trailer, being deeply involved in the Banchory Business Association, and why she believes community involvement isn't optional — it's a duty of care.In this episode you'll hear:Why Jules trusted a dream over a business plan — and it workedHow she navigated the first summer with no prior retail experienceThe real impact of minimum wage increases on small businessesHow to manage seasonal staffing and train young employees wellThe test-and-learn approach that led to the events trailerWhy community involvement is good for business AND good for peopleHer top advice for women thinking of buying or starting a business

What happens when you launch a workplace consultancy focused on human connection at the exact moment the entire world goes into strict isolation? In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector sits down with Lisa Gallagher and Nikki Slowey, co-founders of Flexibility Works, to explore their six-year journey running an impactful social enterprise.Both Lisa and Nikki share their matching professional histories: reaching senior levels, navigating motherhood, and hitting absolute organizational brick walls when attempting to negotiate basic part-time or job-share terms. Dr Brenda Hector also shares her personal experience navigating the rigid workplace frameworks of the past as a mother of twins. Together, they highlight why flexible working structures are no longer a modern luxury—they are a critical commercial lever that decreases employee absenteeism, supercharges retention rates, and broadens talent pools.Key Takeaways:The Power of Co-Founding: How sharing executive leadership allows business owners to manage family operations, avoid professional burnout, and survive sudden personal health challenges.Guardrails vs. Free-For-Alls: Why hybrid frameworks require clear, evolving structures instead of static policies to remain sustainable.Frontline Flexibility: How manufacturing and operational environments can successfully implement staggered start times and predictable shifts.Charitable Seed Funding: Navigating the third-sector landscape to fund an initial launch with a distinct poverty alleviation lens.

What do you do when you successfully build a business that runs like a well-oiled machine without you, but your heart completely leaves the building? In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector sits down with long-time friend Oyin Adekola, founder of Keeping It Real With Oyin .Oyin opens up about her raw psychological journey of exiting her legendary Aberdeen commercial bakery enterprise, Oh Cakes!, which she grew over 13 years from a single £20 order to a multi-staff empire with its own commercial unit, receptionist, and administration team . She discusses the agonizing two-and-a-half-year period she spent mourning the business before gathering the strength to lock the doors for good to prioritize her family and personal peace .Now working as a specialized parent and youth coach, Oyin shares her core framework for family leadership and explains how she balances systems thinking with authentic communication to mentor the next generation.Key Takeaways:The Trapped Entrepreneur: How Oyin accidentally created a "monster" business that was too large to sell and too consuming to keep .Redefining Success: Why high revenues and public recognition don't matter if you are dying inside on the drive home every evening.Cultural Leadership Styles: Navigating the communication gap between straight-talking Nigerian business values and traditional Aberdeen corporate dynamics .The Family Systems Blueprint: Why your home needs clear structural systems and the three leadership hats: parent, mentor, and coach .

How do you transition from advising the Prime Minister in Number 10 Downing Street to running a virtual boutique consultancy that shapes the operating models of global aerospace and tech giants? In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector sits down with Sarah Stone, founder of Samtaler, to demystify the multi-billion-pound world of "social value".Sarah breaks down how a chance encounter with the Procurement Reform Act transformed her career and highlights the harsh business reality every entrepreneur must face: discovering whether a market problem causes enough pain for clients to actually buy a solution. As a military spouse who built a business to survive frequent relocations, Sarah details how she scales an all-female, 100% virtual team by offering radical baseline flexibility.Key Takeaways:Shareholders vs. Stakeholders: Why modern market longevity requires serving your staff, community, and suppliers alongside your bottom line.Compliance is Not Social Value: The critical difference between ticking a legal box and implementing project-specific risk mitigation.The Solopreneur Reality Check: Why it always takes longer to turn a profit than your initial business plan estimates.Servant Leadership: The commercial magic that occurs when you actively build a team of specialists who are smarter than you are.

What do you do when the business everyone else considers "highly successful" is the exact thing causing you to burn out? In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector sits down with Iska Walter, owner of Iska Birnie Photography, to celebrate her ninth year in business and discuss the power of the strategic pivot.Iska shares her journey from working as a car mechanic apprentice in Germany to packing up her life in the Netherlands and moving to Scotland. She reveals how she inherited a fully booked wedding photography pipeline, why shooting 40 weddings in a single year left her with a massive "wedding hangover," and how she made the brave decision to walk away from that revenue to protect her joy and focus on commercial brand photography.We also dive into the realities of being an introvert in a visible industry, the rising demand for real human authenticity over AI-generated images, and the little-known government and private support systems available when self-employed business owners fall ill.Key Takeaways:The Golden Handcuffs of Wedding Photography: Why doing a few things well beats being a "jack of all trades" under constant pressure.An Introvert’s Visibility Strategy: Simple, practical techniques to put yourself and your clients at ease in front of the lens.Authenticity vs AI: Why modern consumers are craving human connection, imperfections, and un-Photoshopped realities.The Self-Employed Safety Net: Crucial insights into New Style ESA and private health support schemes for business owners when disaster strikes.https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowancehttps://www.healthyworkinglives.scot/

What is the difference between starting a career and buying a business? In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector sits down with Katie Backler, Managing Director of Charles White Limited, to explore her 25-year journey leading one of Scotland and Northern Ireland's premier residential property management firms.Katie shares the fascinating story of buying a fifth-generation family business in 2001 and intentionally stepping in as an owner rather than a technician. We trace the strategic evolution of the company, including expanding into Belfast, navigating the financing hurdles of an asset-light service company, and the tough decision to sell their core lettings division to achieve ultimate operational focus.Katie also dives into the realities of working alongside her husband, managing the deep psychological shifts of leadership change, and why her team recently took home the prestigious 2026 Managing Agent of the Year award.Key Takeaways:The E-Myth Approach: Why entering an industry without technical expertise can prevent you from getting bogged down in day-to-day operations.Acquisition Integration: The slow, deliberate process of blending cultures, teams, and ancient ledger systems.Financing Service Companies: How to secure funding when your business has zero physical assets to use as security.Mindset Reframing: Learning to separate your identity from business failure and accepting that success and struggle always coexist.

Are you spending three hours a week on bookkeeping when you should be making sales? Dr. Brenda Hector is joined by Fiona Purves, owner of Defacto FD, to discuss why your business numbers are more than just a tax bill—they are the story of your success.Fiona shares her transition from corporate industry to setting up a "pick and mix" finance department for small businesses. We dive into the importance of professional accreditation, why your bookkeeper might be feeling "professionally lonely," and how Fiona’s background as a yoga teacher brings a philosophy of "Karma Yoga" (selfless service) to her accounting practice.Key Takeaways:The Defacto Model: Scaling your finance department up and down based on your current needs.The Novel in the Numbers: Learning to see the real story behind the profit and loss sheet.The Un-Photoshopped Version: Why your accountant is your most trusted, judgment-free sounding board.Dooking and Balance: Why wild dipping and walking are Fiona's "non-negotiables" for avoiding burnout.

Lisa Schoneville’s journey is a powerful case study in the difference between owning a job and owning a business. From counting out pennies to afford nappies to building two multi-staff companies that operate entirely without her, Lisa’s story is a masterclass in resilience and strategic systemisation.What happens when your "flexible" business starts consuming 60 hours of your week? For serial entrepreneur Lisa Schoneville, it was the catalyst for a radical change in strategy. In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector talks with the founder of a thriving cleaning company and a specialised property management firm—both of which now operate with only 5% of her direct involvement.Lisa shares her raw and inspiring journey, from leaving a secure bank management career to counting out £7 in copper jars just to buy nappies. We dive into the importance of "straight-talk" from your accountant, why she pays her staff above minimum wage, and the unique employee benefits (like 24/7 counselling) that have supercharged her team's loyalty.Key Takeaways:The Entrepreneurial Shift: How to move from being a "busy fool" to building an income that doesn't rely on you.Staff as Assets: Why valuing staff with better pay and mental health support leads to higher retention and growth .The Power of "Yes": Jumping into opportunities (like serviced apartments) even when you don’t yet know the "how" .The Freedom of Choice: Why money isn't just about wealth—it's about the ability to choose how you spend your time .

This is a special re-release of the most-listened-to episode of Scale Her Up. Katie Watson’s story of transformation—from crippling childhood shyness to leading the BWC Futures group and excelling at the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce—is a masterclass in resilience and authentic career building.How do you go from being too shy to leave your house to hosting major networking events for young professionals? In this special re-release of the Scale HER Up's most popular episode ever, Dr Brenda Hector talks with Katie Watson of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce.Katie shares her journey through a childhood diagnosis of depression at age 12 to becoming the lead for BWC Futures, a group dedicated to supporting women aged 16–25 in their early careers. We discuss the "hunt as the feast," the power of vulnerability in leadership, and why reinventing yourself is sometimes the best career move you can make.Key Takeaways:Reinventing the Self: How Katie used University as a "fresh chance" to move past her history with mental health .BWC Futures: Creating safe, drink-free spaces for young women to connect and grow.The "Why" and the "How": Navigating the critics who question your ambition before they ask for your secrets.Aberdeen’s Future: How the Chamber is helping businesses "fall back in love" with the region.

From war zones in Iraq to the boardrooms of the North Sea energy sector, Diana Muriel’s career is a masterclass in high-stakes communication. In this episode, she shares why she traded her blood-group-stamped vest for a role as a "Family Manager" and corporate consultant, proving that the most powerful tool in any business is the ability to tell a simple, truthful story .🎙️ Episode SummaryDr. Brenda Hector sits down with Diana Muriel, Communications Manager at Serica Energy and former CNN International war correspondent . Diana reveals how she navigated the transition from the frontlines to corporate "Issues Management" at Shell, where she became the "agony aunt" for engineers with buried skeletons . They discuss why CEOs are essentially just engineers who can communicate, the "cruel" reality of the workforce for mothers, and a breathtaking story from a Kabul washhouse that taught Diana the ultimate lesson: to earn trust, you must first display your own vulnerability .📝Show NotesThe Hook: She reported on the collapse of economies and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, Diana Muriel is teaching the energy industry that telling the truth is the only way to scale .Key Topics:The CNN Pivot: Why a 40-year-old war correspondent decided she couldn't go back to Baghdad after becoming a mother.Issues Management: Going into companies to find "skeletons in the cupboard" before the media does .The Engineering Gap: Why technical experts often fail to celebrate the "jeopardy and skill" of their own work .The "Family Manager" Rebrand: Why being "just a mom" is a professional scandal we need to fix.The Kabul Lesson: A legendary story of trust, vulnerability, and a Marks & Spencer bra in a Taliban-restricted washhouse.Estimated Timestamps:[00:01:30] Trading CNN war assignments for a derelict farmhouse in Scotland .[00:04:00] Becoming the "Agony Aunt" of Shell: The world of corporate comms.[00:09:00] Why engineers struggle with storytelling and CEOs excel at it .[00:15:30] The hard lesson of client management vs. running a news bureau .[00:22:30] The "Comms Break": Navigating quiet spells and the return to employment.[00:27:00] Retiring ageism and the importance of the "Family Manager".[00:33:00] The Power of Vulnerability: An incredible story from Kabul

From a registered general nurse to the owner of three thriving skin clinics in North Kent, Emma Coleman is a testament to the power of the "side hustle" and the importance of clinical expertise in the beauty industry. In this episode, she gets honest about the "busy fool" stage of her early business, the reality of bootstrapping, and why she records her first podcast from a store cupboard.🎙️ Episode SummaryDr. Brenda Hector sits down with Emma Coleman, founder of Emma Coleman Skin, to discuss her transition from 20 years in the NHS to scaling a multi-clinic brand. Emma reveals how she managed three jobs and three small children while starting a clinic in her own home to save costs . They dive into the complexities of scaling through acquisition, the emotional connection people have with their skin, and why "done is better than perfect" is the only way to launch. This is an episode for anyone who needs a reminder that the path to success is rarely glamorous but always worthwhile.The Hook: What do nursing on a hospital ward and running a business have in common? More than you think. Emma Coleman shares how she swapped the NHS for a skin clinic chain.Key Topics:The Clinical Edge: Transitioning from an RGN in the NHS to a specialized dermatology nurse in private practice .The "Busy Fool" Stage: Managing three income streams and school runs while building a business foundation .Bootstrapping & Acquisition: The challenges of taking over an existing beauty salon and turning it into a medical-grade clinic.Team & Culture: Moving from a solo founder to a team of 10 and the "nerve-wracking" reality of recruitment.Founder Advice: Why perfection is the enemy of progress and the power of daily manifestation.Estimated Timestamps:[00:01:00] Intro to Emma Coleman Skin: From facials to minor surgery.[00:03:00] Leaving the NHS: The 2015 decision to go "all in".[00:08:40] Scaling through acquisition: Inheriting staff and changing culture.[00:11:40] The Money Talk: Cash flow, bootstrapping, and daily monitoring.[00:16:10] The confidence of skin: Treating acne and boosting self-esteem.[00:22:20] "Done is better than perfect": Advice for the next generation of founders.[00:33:30] Real Talk: Recording from the store cupboard

In this episode of Scale Her Up, Dr. Brenda Hector talks with Sonia Schulenberg, CEO and founder of Level E Research. Sonia shares her journey from Mexico City to the University of Edinburgh, where she pioneered the use of autonomous AI agents in asset management. She breaks down why traditional AI fails in the "non-stationary" world of finance and how she built a digital twin of the global market to outperform multibillion-dollar funds . Beyond the tech, Sonia reveals the staggering level of commitment required to scale, including a legendary story of closing an investment round and paying salaries while in active labor .The Hook: She was told her vision for AI in finance was a "trip to the moon." Sonia Schulenberg didn't just build the rocket; she’s now navigating the entire asset management industry toward a new frontier.Key Topics:The Problem with Traditional AI: Why financial markets act like a "shifting giraffe" and require a unique continuous learning approach .The Operative System for Finance: How Level E Research provides a B2B SaaS platform that automates everything from decision-making to compliance.The Cost Crisis: Why active fund managers are underperforming and how AI can save the "eroding value" of our pensions.Explainable AI: Why AI is "nothing" if it cannot explain its own behaviours to regulators and stakeholders.Unstoppable Resilience: The reality of 100-hour work weeks and the drive to deliver "smarter, faster, and cheaper" solutions.Estimated Timestamps:[00:01:00] Early career at Citi and the proposal that started it all.[00:06:00] Moving to Edinburgh: Choosing machine learning over an MBA.[00:10:00] Developing the first fully autonomous fund in the world.[00:17:00] Winning the Aberdeen Asset Managers & FinTech Scotland competition.[00:27:00] Overcoming the "fear" that AI will replace humans.[00:37:00] The Tuesday Deadline: Why Sonia fired 12 lawyers to get results.[00:39:00] The Birth Story: Fundraising, labor, and a Friday deadline for salaries.